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PVV – new research, actual examples (part three!!)

Scholarship – it never ends…

I was recently asked to write a paper about trends in US adult content production, consumption, and distribution for the inaugural issue of Routledge’s Porn Studies journal – the “work” part is done (for now), and I’m currently going through the page proofs from the copyeditors. It’s super exciting!!

Anyway, one of the “trends” I discuss is the current state of content distribution. Here’s a little snippet:

As has occurred multiple times in the past, developing technology has changed the way many people consume adult content. (see Note 1) Today, if you ask most anyone working in porn production, they will tell you that DVD is nearly dead. And though I would argue that DVD is not obsolete, consumption of this media form has declined dramatically in recent years. This is partial consequence of changing distribution modes.

Currently, we are seeing a proliferation of web-based content. In addition to the dimensions I have already discussed, it is important to note that bigger-budget professional producers are also experimenting with initial online distribution, with DVD releases coming after the VOD (Video On Demand) markets have saturated. In many instances, such as with Girlfriends Films’ Poor Little Shyla (2010) or Evil Angel’s Voracious (2012), the seams between initial online and eventual DVD distribution match up well. In other instances though, producers may lose DVD consumers by focusing on VOD. Put simply, an emphasis on one distribution mode may result in producers passing up consumers interested in another.

People may think distribution is boring, but it so is not – how content is accessed and who controls that access are hugely significant. Distribution is a cornerstone of media consumption in general, adult included, and it’s changing rapidly.

In addition to this integral topic, I discuss age-centered content, queer porn, TS content, variable trends in web-based content consumption, camming and live sex, features and parodies, and pegging (among many other topics). Further, I take great pains to provide an accurate contemporary conceptualization of gonzo form content. (it’s NOT a genre, people!!)

I’m also happy to get to point to current, “seen” content examples. In this paper, I discuss examples from New Sensations, Wicked Pictures, Hustler, Clips4Sale, PUBA, Severe Society Films, and Pink & White Productions (among so many others). I do this in lieu of cherry-picking exceptional and/or dated content to prove a point… #justsayin